Changing your guitar strings is one of the most important things you can learn as a player.
Fresh strings make your guitar sound better, feel better, and stay in tune more reliably. It’s also something every player ends up doing regularly, so it’s worth getting right.
In this guide, Travis, our in-house guitar tech, walks through the full process step by step.
Watch: How to Change Guitar Strings Like a Pro
What You’ll Need
Before you start, it helps to have a few basics ready:
- A fresh set of guitar strings
- String winder (optional, but makes things quicker)
- Wire cutters
- A tuner
👉 Browse guitar strings here
👉 Browse tuners here
Step-by-Step Overview
1. Remove the Old Strings
Loosen each string gradually and remove them from the tuning pegs and bridge. Take your time here, especially if it’s your first go.
2. Clean the Guitar
With the strings off, it’s a good opportunity to wipe down the fretboard and body. This helps keep everything in good condition and improves playability.
3. Fit the New Strings
Feed the new strings through the bridge and up to the tuning pegs. Make sure everything is seated properly before winding.
4. Wind the Strings Properly
This is where technique matters.
Getting a clean, consistent wind around the tuning post helps with tuning stability and prevents slipping. Travis shows a simple method that works well for most guitars.
5. Stretch and Tune
Once the strings are on, gently stretch them and bring them up to pitch. This helps them settle in faster and stay in tune.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few things we see all the time:
- Not winding the strings properly
- Skipping the stretching step
- Cutting strings too early
- Using the wrong type or gauge of strings
Getting these small details right makes a big difference.
Not Sure Which Strings to Use?
If you're not sure what strings suit your guitar or playing style, it’s worth having a look through our guides:
👉 Electric Guitar Buyer’s Guide
👉 Acoustic Guitar Buyer’s Guide
Prefer to Have It Done for You?
If you’d rather not do it yourself, or your guitar needs a bit more attention, we offer restringing and full setups in-store.
👉 Find out more about our guitar servicing and repairs here
Our Take
Changing strings is one of those skills that pays off straight away.
Once you’ve done it a couple of times, it becomes second nature, and your guitar will always feel and sound better for it.
Looking to buy guitar strings or accessories? It’s available now at Coleman's Music in South Melbourne or online with fast shipping Australia-wide. We're a proudly independent, family owned Australian music store that knows gear and backs it with great service.
